Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has described Ghanaian winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s ACL injury as a significant setback for the club. The 20-year-old player, who has been a standout performer for the Foxes since last season, suffered the injury during Ghana’s match against Angola in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Issahaku underwent surgery to repair the damage, and it is expected that he will be out of action for six to nine months, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
Expressing his disappointment over the injury, Cooper acknowledged the harsh realities of football, stating, “The injury is serious and not good. He’s had an ACL injury, which is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him. He’s a young player, and having an ACL injury can be quite common; it’s part of football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us.”
Cooper emphasized the importance of supporting Issahaku through his recovery process, saying, “We’ve very much now got to support him in every way we can to make sure his rehab is as smooth and as productive as possible. We hope he can come back a stronger player and person.” Despite the setback, the Leicester boss remains optimistic about Fatawu’s future, describing him as a “big talent” with immense potential. He added, “We were enjoying being on his journey in the Premier League. It’s only a pause. With the mentality he has, I think he’ll come back stronger.”
Looking ahead, Leicester City faces a tough challenge as they prepare to face former manager Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. The Foxes currently sit in 15th place, with only 10 points from 11 games, and are aiming to end a four-game winless streak. The match against Chelsea will be a test of their resilience and determination as they seek to climb up the Premier League table.
